Police nab suspected gun dealers linked to Delta killing

The Nigeria Police Force in Delta State has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running group. They are connected to the recovery of a Beretta pistol in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area. This incident is linked to the controversial killing of a suspected gun dealer, Oghenemine (Mene) Ogidi, by a police officer.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, shared this news during a press briefing at the police headquarters in Asaba on Monday.

Mr Oyeniyi said the arrests came after weeks of investigations in Bayelsa and Imo states. This followed the recovery of the firearm at a transport park in Effurun on 1 May.

The police commissioner also mentioned that the dismissed former Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nuhu Usman, who was seen in a viral video shooting Mr Ogidi, has returned to Delta State for prosecution. Other accomplices are also being brought back to face charges.

He said, "The dismissed officer and others involved are back in Delta State, and the case file is already with the Attorney-General for prosecution."

Mr Oyeniyi revealed that the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was arrested in Bayelsa on 4 May. Investigators found out that Mr Chukwuemeka used his roommate’s phone to buy the Beretta pistol before selling it.

“He confessed to buying the firearm for N290,000 and selling it for N380,000 to one Desmond, who is currently at large,” the police commissioner said.

Police investigations showed that Desmond arranged for the firearm to be taken to Effurun. There, the late Ogidi was supposed to pick it up and deliver it to Sapele.

Further investigations led officers to Imo State, where another suspect, Amadi Princewill, was arrested on 15 May. During questioning, Mr Princewill reportedly stated that he got the pistol from Amadi Felix Chibuike for N200,000.

Based on this information, police tracked down and arrested Mr Chibuike in Owerri on 16 May. Mr Oyeniyi said the suspects are part of the Black Axe confraternity and will face court charges after investigations are complete.

He added that efforts are ongoing to catch other members of the group, including the fugitive suspect, Desmond.

These arrests came weeks after public anger over Mr Ogidi's killing, who was shot by Mr Usman shortly after his arrest. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, showing the police officer shooting the suspect at close range. This sparked calls for accountability and a full investigation.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the police later dismissed Mr Usman from service and began legal action against him and other officers involved in the shooting.